Refugee crisis: the Council sets up emergency support

	On 15 March 2016 the Council adopted a regulation setting up an EU emergency support mechanism to help Greece and other member states overwhelmed by the arrival of large numbers of refugees. This follows the political agreement reached by the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee on 9 March 2016. The new regulation translates into practice a commitment of the European Council. It enables the EU to provide an immediate and effective response to the very difficult situation that is rapidly developing on the ground.  As irregular flows of migrants along the Western Balkans route have come to an end, around 35 000 refugees are currently in Greece.  The help provided under the new instrument is needs-based and aimed at preserving life, preventing human suffering and maintaining human dignity. It includes food, shelter, water, medicine and other basic necessities. It is being delivered by the Commission or by partner organisations selected by the Commission in close cooperation with the Greek authorities. "This Council decision shows that the EU stands by Greece at this difficult time. The Netherlands presidency will do all it can to ensure that the necessary EU funds are mobilised as quickly as possible", said Bert Koenders, the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands and President of the Council.